Page 39 of Wicked Truths

Who the fuck knows why he’s not picking up that she’s uncomfortable, but I’m stomping across the room before I can stop myself.

“What’s up?” I slide up to Oakley’s side, tossing an arm around her shoulder. She leans into my sweaty armpit, and that tells me this fucker was making her uncomfortable. Normally, she’d make some bullshit comment about me stinking and push me off.

“I just needed the restroom.” Oakley blinks up at me, but whatever she’s trying to convey, I miss.

“What a coincidence, me too.” I hold out a hand to fist bump the rando. He bumps and swaggers off without glancing back.

I growl, leading Oakley down the small hallway that spills into a waiting room. There are chairs lining the wall, but I find a free area and shove Oakley up against the flat paneling. “Do you see the problem?”

Her head tilts as she frowns up at me. “You’re a pushy asshole?” Her tone makes it sound like a question.

“Nah. I’m a skinny fuck, but I’m still a man and an alpha. Chicks are pretty much always going to be at a physical disadvantage.”

Oakley bristles at my words, crossing her arms in the space between us. “There are people everywhere. Don’t be dramatic.”

My head tilts from side to side, scanning the empty hallway. It sure as fuck doesn’t look like there are many options to come to her rescue.

“I don’t want to be that asshole with a cock who lectures a woman about the dangers of getting caught alone with some random dick you don’t know.” My eyebrows rise. “But I will be if I have to.” Oakley blinks, tilting her head. She opens her mouth to speak, but I wrap my hand over it. “You’re now a public figure. Hell, you’ll be a sex symbol before you know it. It comes with the territory. You have no idea what some guys will do to get what they want.”

She yanks my hand away with a huff. “I only needed to use the restroom.”

“You had to take a piss? Cool, like I said, me too. Every time you need to pee, I do also. I’ve got a small bladder, so find me whenever you need a bathroom buddy.”

“Yeah right, I’m supposed to interrupt whenever you’re laying on the charm to some unsuspecting groupie?” She shoves at my shoulder.

I wrap an arm around her lower back, guiding her toward the bathroom.

“If it’s important, then yes. You’ve got three guys who are supposed to be looking out for you. We’re your band. Let us back you up.” I don’t let myself think too hard about the fact that I haven’t tried to land a single groupie since I met Oakley. Hell, thinking about how long it’s been since I’ve gotten laid is a little depressing, but that ties back into how my mates died. We hit the bathroom doors, and I glance between them. “If by some miracle you beat me out, I want you to wait here for me, all right?”

“Yeah, okay.” She tosses off my arm and pushes the door to the women’s room.

I shake my head and aim for the men’s room. I’ve never been so obsessed with the safety of my bandmates before, but I already fucked that up so royally there’s no coming back from it.

I won’t let the same happen now. I take a piss, wash my hands, and still beat Oaks back into the hallway. Once she comes out, we head back to the guys. She doesn’t say a word, so I don’t press the issue.

We make it back to the rest of the band, and Marcus gives me a nod as he stretches out an arm for our lead singer.

“Those women were all over you,” she grumbles just barely loud enough that I pick it up.

“Aww, I like it when you get all catty and territorial.” Marcus laughs, leading her out. “You better watch out. It’s turning me the fuck on. I’m going to be taking every ounce of my interest out on that slick little kitty tonight.”

My head falls back as I curse the universe. I wouldn’t mind a little action from time to time, but I’m also not about to cause strife with the bandmates I can’t get away from.

Marcus and Oakley are locked down. Sullivan never hooks up with anyone. If I’m the asshole bringing groupies on the bus left and right, I can only imagine it’ll play out similarly to how it did with my old band.

Fuck that.

That thought alone is enough to turn my stomach.

Sullivan shoves his hands in his pockets, following the lovebirds out without another word. I watch and eventually head down the hallway behind him.

I’d really like some more information on that situation. From what I’ve heard, those two grew up together. The way he watches her makes it clear he wants her, and I’ve picked up on the same vibe from Oakley. It makes no fucking sense to me, but life is way more subdued on this tour than I ever would have guessed.

I’ve got plenty of time to parcel out what went down between them.

I do love to stir the pot. It’s a great way to keep my own demons at bay.

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